Compare 9 General Studies. programs in South Carolina. Average earnings: $34,220.
The highest-earning General Studies program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $9K earnings gap across 9 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Coastal Carolina University's General Studies program leads with graduates earning $39,621, well above the $34,220 average across all programs. University of South Carolina-Upstate follows at $38,742, while Limestone University rounds out the top three at $37,677—demonstrating that regional programs compete effectively in this field.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates borrow $22,310 and face an 18.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Challenging' category. When parent loans are included, the same school leads with a 33.4% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $39,621
Strong outcomes with 80% acceptance
18.9% payment burden | Challenging
33.4% family burden | High burden
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $39,621 | 104 | $23,750 | Challenging | $35,414 | High | |
| #2 | $38,742 | 92 | $22,310 | Challenging | $14,836 | High | |
| #3 | Limestone UniversityPrivate | $37,677 | 26 | $27,639 | High | $22,193 | High |
| #4 | $35,031 | 150 | $21,500 | Challenging | $31,393 | High | |
| #5 | Lander UniversityPublic | $32,218 | 15 | $25,000 | High | $16,919 | High |
| #6 | North Greenville UniversityPrivate | $32,123 | 50 | $23,082 | High | $22,924 | High |
| #7 | $30,957 | 16 | $20,000 | High | $12,275 | High | |
| #8 | $30,887 | 27 | $27,000 | High | $17,787 | High | |
| #9 | Benedict CollegePrivate | $30,725 | 11 | $32,500 | High | $27,557 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
